A year or so ago, Kentucky Wildcats recruit and McDonald’s All-American Anthony Davis wasn’t on anyone’s short list of blue-chip college basketball prospects. But after growing seven inches in a year, he now finds himself the #2 overall recruit in the nation (Duke commit Austin Rivers is #1) today.
I caught up to him Tuesday night; right before he had the opportunity to meet Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose, a McDonald’s All-American in 2007.
“I was 6′ 3,” then my junior year I was 6’5,” until this summer and now I’m 6’10,”” he said.
Kentucky and Duke lead all schools with four McDonald’s All-Americans in this class, and in the history of the designation, UK has scored the fourth highest number of McDonald’s All-Americans. All time, the state of Illinois has produced the 3rd most prospects of any state. Davis is a Chicago native who prepped at Perspectives Charter.
Davis was joined Tuesday night by Michigan State commit Branden Dawson and Louisville incoming freshman Wayne Blackshear.
By Paul M. Banks
Recently, Davis who’s averaging 32 ppg, 22rpg, and 7 bpg had a game with a quadruple double! (points, rebounds, blocks, assists).
“I don’t remember the exact stats, but it was like 30 something points. I was amazed when I found out I had it, a lot of people were following knowing I needed just one more block to get it, and hoping I would get it, but they didn’t tell me until after the game so I was real excited about the whole situation,” Davis said about his banner night.
Kentucky isn’t a top ten team or even the best squad in the SEC right now, but next year look out! Ashley Judd’s favorite team is going to be a major national power with Davis and three more McDonald’s All-Americans coming to Rupp Arena next year.
Of course, Davis needs time (and a lot of food) to put on weight and develop his body to take the pounding that comes from from banging down low night in and night out at the collegiate level. He’s also still learning what he is capable of with that tremendous wingspan of his.
He’s a huge fan of Lebron and the Miami Heat is his favorite NBA team. But it’s Kevin Durant he models his game after.
“so versatile- score, shoot, bring the ball up, to be 6-11 and to be able to do so many things that he does, is amazing,” he said of the Durantula.
According to his ESPN recruiting profile:
No one in the 2011 class has elevated their game like Davis. He has gone from a relative unknown to being considered one of the top if not the top prospect in the country. He possesses a refreshingly untainted outlook because he has not been coddled since a young age and should have a tremendous future as a future Wildcat.
For the full list of McDonald’s All-Americans go here
You can see Davis and company in the All-American game at the United Center, right here in Chicago. The Boys Game tip-offs at 9:00 p.m. CT March 30, broadcasting live on ESPN. The Girls Game begins at 6:30 p.m. CT March 30, and will broadcast live on ESPNU.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net. He is also a regular contributor to the Tribune’s Chicago Now network, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
He does a weekly radio segment on Chicagoland Sports Radio.com and Cleveland.com
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